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Hot Stove roundup: Young, Lopez among signees

Royals send catcher Kottaras to Cubs as wheels continue to turn

The baseball world made a few transactions on Tuesday, but the biggest headlines were saved for the potential banner Hall of Fame class of 2014. The ballot was released, and 300-game winners Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine headline one of the deepest group of candidates in memory.

The Yankees met with the representatives for All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano, but there are still significant obstacles standing in the path of an agreement. New York struck quickly to sign catcher Brian McCann, and the Yankees are looking to be active this offseason.

Not every team is looking to make a huge splash this winter. MLB.com's Lyle Spencer believes that both Los Angeles teams will be looking to make judicious moves that fill out their roster this winter as opposed to going out and signing a marquee free agent.

AL East

The World Series champion Red Sox checked in on free-agent catchers Carlos Ruiz and McCann, and they're still looking for a veteran to pair with David Ross next season.

MLB.com's Bill Chastain doesn't believe the Rays are in a rush to trade David Price.

AL Central

The Tigers were never really in the mix to bring Jhonny Peralta back to play third base or shortstop, and they weren't inclined to reconsider that position after dealing Prince Fielder to Texas.

AL West

The Astros are optimistic that better times are on the near horizon.

NL East

Chris Young, who passed a physical examination and finalized his contract, checked in with David Wright before deciding to sign with the Mets.

MLB.com's Terence Moore writes that veteran backstop McCann might be gone, but his leadership and production won't easily be replaced in Atlanta.

The Phillies are on the hunt for more options in the bullpen.

NL Central

The Cubs acquired catcher George Kottaras from Kansas City Tuesday. Kottaras will compete for a backup slot next year, and his acquisition might mean that Dioner Navarro won't be back.

The Pirates signed two players -- reliever Cody Eppley and Minor League catcher Nevin Ashley -- to Minor League deals with an invitation to compete for jobs in Spring Training.

The Reds signed veteran Skip Schumaker for some flexibility in the infield and outfield.

NL West

The Giants signed free-agent left-handed reliever Javier Lopez to a three-year, $13 million contract, and he cited general manager Brian Sabean as a big reason for returning to San Francisco.

The Rockies added a pair of coaches to finalize their staff.

Spencer Fordin is a reporter for MLB.com.